Louisville Bats' Mike Hessman hits a home run, one of two he hit in the game as the Bats take on the Toledo Mud Hens in the season opener. 04 April 2013

Louisville Bats infielder Mike Hessman is the active minor-league home run leader with 389 and has five this season entering Saturday night's game against Lehigh Valley. Hessman, 35, signed with the Cincinnati Reds organization as a free agent this season.

With Corky Miller, 37, now with the Reds, Hessman is the second-oldest player on the Bats' roster behind right-hander Mike MacDougal, 36. Drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 1996, he has played in 109 major-league games, but none since 2010 with the Mets.

What led you to sign with the Reds?

I talked to them in the offseason. I felt like it would be a good fit and looked forward to being in the (International League). I'm looking forward to helping the team win some games.

What's your motivation? How long do you want to keep playing?

I still enjoy getting out there on the field. As long as it's still fun and I enjoy coming to the ballpark everyday, I'm going to do it as long as I can. I haven't thought about (retiring).

How would you assess your career?

I've been blessed to play the game this long. As long as there's an opportunity I'm going to keep coming out here. I was blessed to sign out of high school. I enjoy the little intricacies of the game that maybe the average fan doesn't see. You never know what you're going to see out there. Eighteen years in the game and you still may see something you've never seen before.

What was playing in Japan like in 2011?

I enjoyed it. It was a great opportunity. My family came over there, which was nice. (In Japan), they work nonstop. It's practice, practice, practice. The fans are into it but ... I had no idea what they were saying.

- Michael Grant, The C-J

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Q&A: Bats infielder Mike Hessman | Not seeing end game

Louisville Bats infielder Mike Hessman is the active minor-league home run leader with 389 and has five this season entering Saturday night's game against Lehigh Valley. Hessman, 35, signed with the